Newaukum Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2- 2 Positions- Non-Permanent- 2026-07338

State of Washington•Thurston County – Other, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Two (2) Full-Time/Non-Permanent positions for 4.5 months, from October 1, 2026, to February 15, 2027. These positions are located in Rochester, Washington, Thurston County, and are part of the Fish Program – Fish Management. The role involves conducting salmon spawner surveys and collecting biological data to aid in the conservation of salmon and steelhead populations in the Newaukum River Basin. This offers valuable field experience in fisheries.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
OR Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, including redd identification.
Personal or professional experience with river environments.
Rowing a watercraft on rivers.
River rescue training.
Moving on, in, or through rivers.
Experience with data collection.
Familiarity with the Newaukum River Basin.

Responsibilities

Conducts salmon spawner surveys according to Procedures and Protocols.
Identify, record, and monitor salmonid redds and live/dead fish counts within selected reaches.
Collect biological data from salmon carcasses, including assessing adipose and dorsal fin mark status, and collecting scales, coded wire tags (CWTs), DNA tissue samples, deploying and recovering carcass tags, and gathering other biological samples as needed.
Maintain accurate and timely field records on iPads and iForms.
Travel to and from stream survey locations throughout the Newaukum River Basin.
Drive to and from stream survey locations via Federal, State, and County roads, as well as travel on private (logging) roads.
Operate 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions.